Russians spent almost as much money on “sorcerers” and various “occult services” in 2024 as they did on groceries, the newspaper MK claimed on Tuesday, citing end-of-year statistical reports.

According to the outlet, incomes in the ‘magical’ segment of the economy grew by 20% last year and are expected to exceed that percentage in 2024. Internet traffic to websites providing astrological and numerological forecasts and fortune telling has also grown by 38%. The market for occult services in Russia has reached an estimated 2.4 trillion rubles ($24 billion), which analysts say is comparable to how much the nation spent on food over the past 12 months.

It is noted that much of the data comes from research ordered by psychologists – the closest competitors to numerologists, astrologists and the like. MK reported, however, that while the psychology market has also grown this year, it is still 20 times smaller than its ‘supernatural’ rival.

A recent annual poll by The Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTSIOM) also found that every fourth Russian respondent believed in the effectiveness of esotericism and up to 60% of the population has resorted to the help of such specialists at least once in their life.

This is an excerpt from an article taken from rt.com.